Who Will Surprise Us? Predicting the Braves' Best Non-Roster Invitee for Opening Day 

As we gear up for the 2025 Spring Training, the Atlanta Braves are facing some intriguing decisions regarding their non-roster invitees. With only a couple of spots available on the Opening Day roster, the competition is heating up. Who do you think has the best shot at making the cut?

Let’s break it down. On the position player side, we have a mix of veterans and younger talent vying for limited roles. Chadwick Tromp seems to be the favorite for the backup catcher position, but with the addition of seasoned players like Sandy Leon and Curt Casali, could we see a surprise move? What are your thoughts on the experience versus youth debate? Should the Braves prioritize proven veterans or take a chance on a younger player with potential?

In the outfield, Bryan De La Cruz and Jake Marisnick are in the mix, but neither has been particularly impressive lately. Could Garrett Cooper, with his All-Star pedigree, be the dark horse that sneaks onto the roster? Or will the Braves stick with defensive prowess over offensive upside?

On the pitching front, Buck Farmer stands out as a local product with a solid track record. Could he be the key to bolstering the bullpen, especially with the lack of experienced right-handed options? What do you think about the Braves' strategy of bringing in veterans like Jake Diekman? Is it a smart move to rely on experience in a young bullpen?

Let’s hear your predictions! Who do you think will make the Opening Day roster, and why? Are there any non-roster invitees you believe could surprise us all? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation rolling!

Position Player Battles: Experience vs. Youth
Backup Catcher: Chadwick Tromp vs. Sandy León vs. Curt Casali
Chadwick Tromp has the inside track — he’s familiar with the Braves' staff, has shown decent pop, and is already on the club's radar.

Sandy León and Curt Casali bring more MLB experience, particularly in game-calling and working with young pitchers.

Prediction: Unless Casali turns heads with both the bat and glove, the Braves roll with Tromp, who brings a mix of familiarity and upside.

Outfield & Bench Depth:
Contenders: Bryan De La Cruz, Jake Marisnick, Garrett Cooper
De La Cruz has potential but hasn’t had consistent production.

Marisnick is a defensive specialist — a 4th outfielder type who could make the roster if Kelenic stumbles early.

Garrett Cooper might be the most intriguing: former All-Star, positional flexibility (1B/OF/DH), and power off the bench.

Dark Horse: If the Braves want thump and flexibility, Cooper could edge his way into that last bench spot — especially if DH production is lagging.

Pitching: Bullpen Wild Cards
Key Names: Buck Farmer, Jake Diekman, Grant Holmes
Buck Farmer has looked sharp and brings reliable mid-relief innings — a much-needed asset for a team managing workloads early in the season.

Jake Diekman is volatile: high upside, but control issues. Still, the Braves might appreciate his experience as a late-inning lefty.

Grant Holmes could surprise — he flashed during his 2024 debut and still has upside at 28.

Prediction: The Braves carry Farmer as a righty with a proven track record. Diekman makes it only if one of the lefty relievers goes down.

Final Non-Roster Invitee Picks:
Chadwick Tromp (C) – Familiarity and upside

Garrett Cooper (1B/OF) – Veteran bat with flexibility

Buck Farmer (RHP) – Dependable arm, local fan favorite

Wildcard: If Jared Shuster or AJ Smith-Shawver struggle, don’t be surprised if someone like Darius Vines sneaks into the conversation.

Strategy Takeaway:
The Braves are playing a smart balance game. They’re letting the kids compete, but surrounding them with veterans who could step in. This approach builds depth, competition, and insurance — critical for a 162-game grind.